Education Studies - Intercultural Education

The Master in Education Studies (Intercultural Education) is for educators who want to examine the complexities of teaching in a diverse and globalised world. Through engaging in this programme, participants will be prepared to take on leadership roles in their schools and workplaces, bringing the skills of a critical intercultural educator to support learners in achieving their potential.

Who is the course for?
This course is for educators who want to better understand the role of education in a diverse society. The Master in Education Studies (Intercultural Education) is rooted in principles of social justice and equality, and is relevant for all educators.

What will I study?
Students on this course will study four discrete modules in first year; namely, schools and diversity, inclusion and intercultural education; teaching English as an additional language; religious diversity and intercultural education; and human rights, human rights education, and interculturalism. In year two, students have the opportunity to focus on one of these areas in greater depth. They will develop research skills and prepare a dissertation of 20,000 words on a topic relevant to Intercultural Education.

Entry requirements

Minimum Entry Requirements
An honours degree (level 8) with a second class honours or higher, and at least three years teaching experience or equivalent professional experience. In exceptional cases students who meet the honours degree requirement but do not have the necessary experience may be considered for the course. Candidates may be shortlisted and invited to attend an interview and complete a written assignment as appropriate. English Language Requirement: IELTS Level 6.5 (or equivalent).

Duration

2 years part-time.

Number of credits

ECTS Credits: 90

Careers or further progression

What are my career options?
Graduates of the course would be well prepared for many leadership and management roles in schools, including principalships. Graduates would be well placed to offer professional development for teachers or to work with pre-service teachers on the topic of intercultural education. Furthermore, graduates could contribute to the field of intercultural education by presenting conference papers and writing journal articles.

Subjects taught

Module Listing

Year 1

Module 1

Schools and Diversity, Inclusion and Intercultural Education

• Aspects of culture and individual cultural backgrounds
• Approaches to understanding diversity in society and education
• Policy, legislation and literature impacting on culture and education
• Effective teaching and learning strategies for the diverse classroom
• The inclusive school: building a shared sense of community

Module 2

Teaching English as an Additional Language: An Intercultural
Approach

• Linguistic diversity in the context of intercultural education
• The role of oral language in the development of English language proficiency
• Literacy: supporting the development of English language proficiency
• Developing a whole-school and community approach to teaching English as an additional language
• Assessment & evaluation

Module 3

Religious Diversity and Intercultural Education

• Religious diversity in the context of intercultural education
• Key pedagogical principles underpinning the religious dimension of intercultural education
• Encounters with the 'other'; entering into interreligious dialogue
• Learning from the experience of others
• Developing a whole-class and whole-school approach to religious diversity and intercultural education

Research methodologies and research ethics
The research design process
• Research proposal
• Dissertation

Comment

Award level: NFQ 9
Awarding body: Trinity College Dublin, The University of Dublin

Assessment method

How is the course assessed?
Assessment is linked to the modular nature of the course. It consists of assignments, essays, case studies, a discussion forum and a literature review in year 1, followed by a research proposal and dissertation in year 2.